UN Envoy Maria Angela Holguin Advocates for Continued Dialogue in Cyprus
In a recent engagement outside the presidential palace, UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin expressed her commitment to advocating for dialogue between the divided communities of Cyprus until the end of her mandate. Following a 50-minute meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides, Holguin shared her intentions to prepare a comprehensive report and engage in discussions with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The envoy’s visit to Cyprus included a brief meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, though no statements were made post-discussion. Emphasizing the importance of dialogue, Holguin stated, “The minimum the people deserve is a dialogue between the two parties.” She also noted that her upcoming report would reflect an impartial perspective, incorporating the desires and opinions of civil society, political entities, and the Cypriot populace.
Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis described the meeting with Christodoulides as constructive, highlighting the president’s eagerness to resume negotiations or, at the very least, to engage in a meeting with Tatar under Holguin’s supervision. The significance of the concurrent meeting between Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis and Turkey’s President Erdogan was also underscored, with results eagerly anticipated.
Addressing speculation regarding Holguin’s statements potentially urging Christodoulides to take further action, Letymbiotis dismissed such interpretations. He reiterated the necessity of dialogue as a fundamental and expected step towards resolving concerns. “Only through dialogue can concerns be resolved,” he affirmed.
Despite Holguin’s proposal last week for a trilateral meeting, Tatar maintained his stance that negotiations could only resume upon recognition of the Turkish Cypriot side’s sovereign equality and equal international status. As Holguin prepares to conclude her third official visit to Cyprus, the quest for a peaceful resolution through dialogue continues to be a focal point of her mandate.
